ST. PETERSBURG – From Chris Lovesky’s goal two minutes in to Max Ford’s goal to trigger the mercy rule, host Shorecrest was in total control of its Class A region quarterfinal against Bishop McLaughlin.
Lovesky scored twice while Robert Zolper, Luke Peterson, K.J. Nekvasil and Chris Howd all scored first-half goals as the Chargers rolled to a 8-0 victory. Shorecrest will travel to Carrollwood Day for Tuesday’s region semifinal.
Shorecrest has played Carrollwood Day twice this season, winning 1-0 on the road and 3-2 at home.
“They are a very tough team and it’s a pretty difficult field to play on,” Shorecrest coach Milen Gaganelov said. “But I feel like our guys are peaking at the right time and tonight I saw a lot of things that made me happy.”
Lovesky scored both of his goals within the first 15 minutes and erased what little drama there might have been. Shorecrest has won 11 straight games.
“We’re just focused on getting to states and winning it all,” Lovesky said. “That’s been our goal from the beginning. Last year we lost in this game but this year I think we’ve got the team to go all the way.”
Gaganelov made mass substitutions in the second half as Drew Hupp scored midway through the period before Ford ended the game with 11 minutes remaining.
“Our subs came in and they played very well on defense,” Gaganelov added. “That was a real positive from tonight’s game. Everyone is focused and playing well right now.”
More A: Senior defender John Frost made Carrollwood Day’s first home playoff game memorable. His overtime goal was the difference in the Patriots’ 3-2 victory over Indian Rocks Christian.Frost’s heroics gave CDS (18-4-1) its first playoff win in program history and sets up a home match against Shorecrest Prep in next week’s region semifinal.